The history of Long Island's rich aviation past is being preserved thanks, in large part, to the efforts of Floral Park resident Merven "Merv" Mandel, a volunteer at the Cradle of Aviation Museum at Mitchel Field in Garden City.

A retired aerospace engineer who worked 40 years in the aviation industry, Mandel has had a lifelong love affair with airplanes but until he got involved with the Cradle of Aviation his efforts were always confined to a slide rule and a drafting table. Today, he is offering hands-on help in restoring many of the vintage aircraft and aviation artifacts that will be on display when the Cradle opens in the fall of next year.

"When I first visited the Cradle of Aviation Museum I was so fascinated and thrilled at the aircraft and spacecraft that I saw that I knew that I had to work there, restoring old planes and working as a guide. Working as a volunteer at the museum has now become a big part of my life," explained Mandel.

Individual and Corporate Donations Sought

While the restoration work is being powered by volunteers such as Merv, the Cradle of Aviation is seeking individual and corporate donations to ensure that it will be able to open its doors on time. Contributions as small as $125 secure a place on the museum's permanent Honor Roll for those who worked in one of Long Island's many defense plants, served in the military or simply want to salute Long Island's air and space heritage.

Gerry Kessler, president of The Friends for Long Island's Heritage, explained, "For many families a place on the Honor Roll will serve as a lasting tribute to loved ones who used their skill to expand our knowledge of aviation and space or to strengthen our nation's defense of freedom. Personal donations to the Honor Roll are making a significant difference in the museum's ability to create the displays that define the role of individuals who are as much of aviation heritage as the aircraft on display.

Josh Stoff, curator at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, notes, "Merv's dedication to this project is mirrored by the incredible work that is being created by our volunteers. It is through their work that this institution is becoming a world class museum. But even with his priceless volunteer expertise, the Cradle still needs the support of the public through individual donations. We hope Merv's efforts will be complimented by the financial support from individuals who appreciate what a unique role Long Island has played in aviation history and how we now have a unique opportunity to preserve that legacy far into the future."

Plans to open the Cradle of Aviation Museum on the grounds of the former Mitchel Field Air Force Base in Garden City remain on schedule with officials expected to cut the ribbon next year on a complex where aircraft and spacecraft built or flown on Long Island will be on display in restored hangars adjacent to the multi-story Leroy R. and Rose W. Grumman IMAX Dome Theater. In addition, an interactive display that highlights man landing on the moon will incorporate one of only three flight-ready Grumman Lunar Modules left in the world.

To find out more about the Honor Roll and The Cradle of Aviation Museum, contact The Friends for Long Island's Heritage at 571-7606 or reach them at their web site, Friends for Long Island's Heritage at www.fflih.org or at the Cradle's web site, www.cradleofaviation.org.